Patents by Inventor Dwayne L. LaBrake

Dwayne L. LaBrake has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20090212012
    Abstract: Thickness of a residual layer may be altered to control critical dimension of features in a patterned layer provided by an imprint lithography process. The thickness of the residual layer may be directly proportional or inversely proportional to the critical dimension of features. Dispensing techniques and material selection may also provide control of the critical dimension of features in the patterned layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: MOLECULAR IMPRINTS, INC.
    Inventors: Cynthia B. Brooks, Dwayne L. LaBrake, Niyaz Khusnatdinov, Michael N. Miller, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, David James Lentz, Frank Y. Xu
  • Publication number: 20090200710
    Abstract: Devices positioned between an energy source and an imprint lithography template may block exposure of energy to portions of polymerizable material dispensed on a substrate. Portions of the polymerizable material that are blocked from the energy may remain fluid, while the remaining polymerizable material is solidified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: MOLECULAR IMPRINTS, INC.
    Inventors: Niyaz Khusnatdinov, Christopher Ellis Jones, Joseph G. Perez, Dwayne L. LaBrake, Ian Matthew McMackin
  • Publication number: 20090200266
    Abstract: Materials for forming an imprint lithography template may be etched at different rates based on physical properties of the layers. Additionally, reflectance of the materials may be monitored to provide substantially uniform erosion of the materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: MOLECULAR IMPRINTS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary F. Doyle, Gerard M. Schmid, Michael N. Miller, Douglas J. Resnick, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Publication number: 20090148032
    Abstract: Methods of determining relative spatial parameters between two substrates in a process of alignment are described. Generally, multiple alignment data may be collected from phase information using a pair of alignment marks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Schumaker, Tom H. Rafferty, Niyaz Khusnatdinov, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Publication number: 20090148619
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a patterned surface on a substrate are described. Generally, the patterned surface is defined by a residual layer having a thickness of less than approximately 5 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: MOLECULAR IMPRINTS, INC.
    Inventors: Dwayne L. LaBrake, Niyaz Khusnatdinov, Christopher Ellis Jones, Frank Y. Xu
  • Publication number: 20090053535
    Abstract: A multi-layer stack for imprint lithography is formed by applying a first polymerizable composition to a substrate, polymerizing the first polymerizable composition to form a first polymerized layer, applying a second polymerizable composition to the first polymerized layer, and polymerizing the second polymerizable composition to form a second polymerized layer on the first polymerized layer. The first polymerizable composition includes a polymerizable component with a glass transition temperature less than about 25° C., and the first polymerized layer is substantially impermeable to the second polymerizable composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Y. Xu, Weijun Liu, Cynthia B. Brooks, Dwayne L. LaBrake, David J. Lentz
  • Publication number: 20090035934
    Abstract: Fabricating a cross-point memory structure using two lithography steps with a top conductor and connector or memory element and a bottom conductor orthogonal to the top connector. A first lithography step followed by a series of depositions and etching steps patterns a first channel having a bottom conductor. A second lithography step followed by a series of depositions and etching steps patterns a second channel orthogonal to the first channel and having a memory element connecting the an upper conductor and the lower conductor at their overlaid intersections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Christopher Mark Melliar-Smith, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Patent number: 7466892
    Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic articles incorporating an amorphous diamond-like film are disclosed. Specifically, the invention includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film overlying two or more proximate substrates, and to methods of making optical and optoelectronic articles. In certain implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis. Another embodiment includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film that is further coated with a metallic or polymeric material for attachment to a device package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dwayne L LaBrake, Brian J. Gates, Bryon J. Cronk, Moses M. David, Brian K. Nelson, Michael N. Miller, James F. Brennan, III
  • Patent number: 7256131
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of patterning a substrate, the method including, inter alia, forming a multi-layered structure on the substrate formed from first, second and third materials. The first, second and third materials are exposed to an etch chemistry, with the first and second materials having a common etch rate along a first direction, defining a first etch rate, and the first and third materials having a similar etch rate along a second direction, transversely extending to the first direction, defining a second etch rate. Typically, the etch rate is selected to be different in furtherance of facilitating control of the dimensions of features formed during the etching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Patent number: 7106939
    Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic articles incorporating an amorphous diamond-like film are disclosed. Specifically, the invention includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film overlying two or more proximate substrates, and to methods of making optical and optoelectronic articles. In certain implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis. Another embodiment includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film that is further coated with a metallic or polymeric material for attachment to a device package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dwayne L. LaBrake, Brian J. Gates, Bryon J. Cronk, Moses M. David, Brian K. Nelson, Michael N. Miller, James F. Brennan, III
  • Patent number: 6917750
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing optical devices, and particularly to one that characterizes optical devices such as fiber Bragg gratings. In one embodiment, a system and method include the use of two light sources and four detectors to detect light transmitted through an optical device both before and after the light has been transmitted in each direction through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David B. Stegall, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Publication number: 20040240833
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for characterizing optical devices, and particularly to one that characterizes optical devices such as fiber Bragg gratings. In one embodiment, a system and method include the use of two light sources and four detectors to detect light transmitted through an optical device both before and after the light has been transmitted in each direction through the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David B. Stegall, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Patent number: 6728444
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide refractive index grating having a desired grating pitch &Lgr;. The method includes the step of providing a photosensitive waveguide and a writing beam of actinic radiation, the writing beam having an intensity. The waveguide is translated relative to the writing beam at a velocity v(t). The intensity of the writing beam is modulated as a function of time at a frequency f(t), wherein v ⁢ ( t ) f ⁢ ( t ) ≈ Λ . The step of modulating the intensity of the writing beam as a function of time f(t) at a frequency f(t) including the step of varying &Lgr;.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James F. Brennan, III, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Patent number: 6600866
    Abstract: A filament organizer comprises a support having a first surface opposite a second surface and further includes a lockable spool and a rotary spool adjacent to the first surface of the support. The organizer has a tensioner attached to the second surface of the support for attachment to the rotary spool by a tension wire to apply tension thereto to transmit tension to a filament disposed between the lockable spool and the rotary spool. Selective reduction in tension on a filament is possible using a tension relief assembly attached to the support. A stacked configuration of a plurality of filament organizers may be formed by suitable alignment of supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anthony William Gatica, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Publication number: 20030059195
    Abstract: Optical devices using shaped optical fibers and methods for using shaped optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: James F. Brennan, Barbara A. DeBaun, Barry J. Koch, Dwayne L. LaBrake, Nicholas A. Lee, Michael R. Matthews, Terry L. Smith, Wayne F. Varner
  • Publication number: 20030053784
    Abstract: Optical and optoelectronic articles incorporating an amorphous diamond-like film are disclosed. Specifically, the invention includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film overlying two or more proximate substrates, and to methods of making optical and optoelectronic articles. In certain implementations, the film comprises at least about 30 atomic percent carbon, from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent silicon, and from about 0 to about 50 atomic percent oxygen on a hydrogen-free basis. Another embodiment includes optical or optoelectronic articles containing an amorphous diamond-like film that is further coated with a metallic or polymeric material for attachment to a device package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Dwayne L. LaBrake, Brian J. Gates, Bryon J. Cronk, Moses M. David, Brian K. Nelson, Michael N. Miller, James F. Brennan
  • Patent number: 6532327
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber refractive index grating. The method comprises the steps of, providing a substantially twist-free length of an optical fiber between a first spool and a second spool before attaching the first spool and the second spool to a support having a first surface opposite a second surface. The support and spools provide a filament organizer including the first spool as a lockable spool and the second spool as a rotary spool. The filament organizer further comprises a tensioner coupled to the rotary spool to apply tension to at least a central portion of the length of an optical fiber disposed between the lockable spool and the rotary spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anthony William Gatica, Bryon James Cronk, William Vogel Dower, John Thomas Cowher, Stephen Paul LeBlanc, Dwayne L. LaBrake, Brian Kenneth Nelson, Christopher B. Walker, Jr., Ronald Phillip Pepin, Brian John Gates
  • Publication number: 20030039440
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber refractive index grating. The method comprises the steps of, providing a substantially twist-free length of an optical fiber between a first spool and a second spool before attaching the first spool and the second spool to a support having a first surface opposite a second surface. The support and spools provide a filament organizer including the first spool as a lockable spool and the second spool as a rotary spool. The filament organizer further comprises a tensioner coupled to the rotary spool to apply tension to at least a central portion of the length of an optical fiber disposed between the lockable spool and the rotary spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anthony William Gatica, Bryon James Cronk, William Vogel Dower, John Thomas Cowher, Stephen Paul LeBlanc, Dwayne L. LaBrake, Brian Kenneth Nelson, Christopher B. Walker, Ronald Phillip Pepin, Brian John Gates
  • Publication number: 20020176682
    Abstract: A filament organizer comprises a support having a first surface opposite a second surface and further includes a lockable spool and a rotary spool adjacent to the first surface of the support. The organizer has a tensioner attached to the second surface of the support for attachment to the rotary spool by a tension wire to apply tension thereto to transmit tension to a filament disposed between the lockable spool and the rotary spool. Selective reduction in tension on a filament is possible using a tension relief assembly attached to the support. A stacked configuration of a plurality of filament organizers may be formed by suitable alignment of supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anthony William Gatica, Dwayne L. LaBrake
  • Publication number: 20020122628
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide refractive index grating having a desired grating pitch A. The method includes the step of providing a photosensitive waveguide and a writing beam of actinic radiation, the writing beam having an intensity. The waveguide is translated relative to the writing beam at a velocity v(t). The intensity of the writing beam is modulated as a function of time at a frequency f(t), wherein 1 v ⁡ ( t ) f ⁡ ( t ) ≈ Λ .
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James F. Brennan, Dwayne L. LaBrake